As soon as the news spread that the talented young Commander of ZAFT would be heading to Orb for an official visit, Kisaka promptly instructed Athrun to return and act as an intermediary between PLANTs and Orb. Kisaka made this decision perfectly aware that Commander Joule and Athrun were former comrades and good friends.

Athrun wasted no time upon receiving Kisaka's order. He delegated all Terminal responsibilities to Meyrin, who was still in the desert overseeing surveillance activities, and immediately flew back to Orb.

Now, Athrun stands on the runway in front of the Orb Parliamentary Building, ready to welcome the Head Representative returning from her official visit to Scandinavia. He is joined by high-ranking Orb Army officials, the executive secretaries of the Head Representative, and the Emirs.

The aircraft, bearing the Orb emblem, slowly landed smoothly on the runway and some members of the Orb Air Force scouted the landing site and gave the go-signal for the passengers to disembark.

Lieutenant Kimura, the head of Cagalli's security detail in Scandinavia, took the lead. Upon confirming everything was in order, he gestured for the Head Representative to proceed.

All military personnel straightened their posture and saluted as Cagalli walked through their ranks. She nodded at them, and as she passed Athrun, her surprise showed briefly. However, she maintained her composure and continued greeting her secretaries.

"Head Representative Athha, welcome back," Miriallia greeted Cagalli.

"I'm back, thank you for your hard work. So, how are things in Orb?"

"There are no urgent issues requiring your approval. However, with Commander Joule's visit, we need to urgently prepare for the welcome banquet. We also have dresses prepared for you to choose…" Sai Argylle's voice trailed off as Cagalli and her secretaries headed toward their office.

The military dispersed, and Athrun glanced at Cagalli's retreating figure. Sai was showing Cagalli something on his tablet, and Athrun couldn't help but notice that their shoulders were brushing against each other. Athrun furrowed his brows.

"Um…. Captain Zala?"

Athrun turned with a stern expression to see a nervous Lieutenant Kimura saluting him.

"I've already submitted a report detailing the security measures we implemented in Scandinavia," the Lieutenant said tensely.

"Did you also include the security protocols you violated?" Athrun's voice was chilling.

"Uh… no–"

Athrun cut him off sharply, "Protocol Article V, Section 6 mandates constant guarding of the Head Representative's room and prohibits unauthorized visitors."

"But we could not possibly block the King of Scandinavia since Cagalli-sama personally invited him to her private quarters."

Athrun's expression darkened. Cagalli invited a man to her room?

"Protocol Article XVI, Section 133 directs that the Head Representative's safety should prevail despite the latter's insistence. You should not have allowed the King into Head Representative Athha's room, regardless of her invitation. Besides, how can you be certain that the King wasn't deceiving you, Lieutenant?" Athrun's tone grew increasingly stern.

The Lieutenant was speechless. "I… I apologize for our oversight, Captain Zala…"

Athrun rubbed his temples, trying to calm himself before speaking. At least Lieutenant Kimura wasn't like Shinn, who was utterly disrespectful to his superiors. But regarding Cagalli's safety, Athrun couldn't overlook the careless lapses of her escort team.

"I will respond to your report soon. For now, I'm suspending you as Head Representative Athha's security detail," Athrun stated flatly.

The poor man's mouth gaped in shock at the severe punishment imposed on him – a demerit to his current position. Athrun turned away and continued towards the Parliament Office, his thoughts consumed by the need for heightened security around Cagalli.


Miriallia informed Athrun behind the large oak doors of the conference room, "Captain Zala, I'm sorry, but your meeting with Head Representative Athha will be delayed for another 2 hours because the Emirs' meeting is still ongoing."

Athrun smiled sadly. It was already 10 o'clock in the evening, and Cagalli was still immersed in meetings and other duties. He knew dinner had been served in the conference room, but Cagalli was likely only taking small bites, if any.

"It's alright. I'll just recheck security at the balcony of the Parliament Office," Miriallia nodded. She knew it was the fifth time the blue-haired Coordinator had surveyed the entire building for any potential security breaches.

Cold wind swept through the quiet night in Orb as Athrun leaned against the balcony, overlooking the glistening lights of the capital, Olofat. It had been months since he last returned to Orb after being assigned to the Terminal. The neutral country is still as peaceful as ever. Cagalli's efforts to maintain peace were not in vain. Athrun knows fully well that Orb's well-being will always be Cagalli's priority over him. Nonetheless, he is also committed to fighting alongside her and protecting what she holds dear, ensuring their shared future.

Athrun didn't want to repeat the mistakes he made during the Second War, where he fought against Orb. His decision to rejoin ZAFT had been stupid, causing him to fight against his former comrades and escalate the war even further.

The night is getting deeper when Athrun, lost in thoughts, heard a deep, sweet voice break the silence. "So you really are here…"

It was Cagalli. Her hair danced in the soft wind, and her gentle gaze fixed on Athrun, whom she hadn't seen in months.

"Miriallia told me you must have left already, but I knew this was your favorite spot," Cagalli continued, walking beside Athrun. "How have you been?"

Athrun has been staring intently at Cagalli. He is inwardly stopping himself from giving her a strong hug, because of the guards stationed nearby. He also noted how she lost weight and the bags under her eyes from exhaustion.

He sighed to calm his nerves, "I should be asking that. How are you feeling? Did you eat your dinner properly?"

Cagalli pouted, "Don't return my question. I might be busy, but I'm doing fine."

Athrun smiled at the same old Cagalli who is very caring. "Glad to hear that… I'm also doing great, but I missed you," Athrun did not lose a second to notice Cagalli's blush as she lowered her head, obviously embarrassed.

"How… How's Meyrin?" Cagalli asked trying to change the subject, but still avoiding Athrun's gaze. "Is she doing alright?"

Athrun took a step nearer to Cagalli, closing their distance and not minding her question, "I guess she is…"

Athrun slowly raised his right hand and cupped Cagalli's cheek to lift her head, but her amber eyes still avoided his intense stare. "A…any reports from the Terminal?"

"I am currently off-duty with Terminal, so I don't answer such queries in the meantime."

Cagalli's eyes continued to wander. "Even if it was I, the Head Representative of Orb - your boss, is asking?"

Athrun felt the warmth of Cagalli's flushed cheek and he chuckled, lowering his hand. It was rare for him to see an embarrassed Cagalli, so he was definitely enjoying the view.

"What's so funny?!" Finally, she was looking at him.

"It's just unusual for you to remind me of your authority," Athrun teased lightly.

Cagalli merely pouted, "Laugh all you want, or I'll keep the souvenirs I bought for you from Scandinavia."

Athrun was taken aback. This was the very first time Cagalli bought him a souvenir from her official visit. Of course, the Head Representative had been generous in giving gifts, but for her to personally buy something over her busy schedule made Athrun feel incredibly important to her.

"Really, what is it?" Athrun asked softly, hiding his excitement.

Cagalli's embarrassment faded, and she returned to her cheerful self, "It's called Smulpaj, a crumble pie consisting of Swedish fruits. I just know you'll love it!"

Athrun noted Cagalli's glistening eyes whenever she was talking about food. He may not be the biggest fan of sweet delicacies, but he would gladly eat anything Cagalli offered, especially since she had bought it just for him. "Sounds delicious."

"I know right? They only sell it in limited quantities, so I made sure to buy one for you, Kisaka, Sai, Miriallia, Myrna, and Touya!"

Athrun's face fell. So it was not just for him.

"I bought it on King Magnus' recommendation."

The mere mention of his name coming from Cagalli's mouth was enough to sour Athrun's mood.

"But Smulpaj tastes the best when eaten with Swedish meatballs…"

The combination of sweet and savory didn't appeal to Athrun, but knowing Cagalli's adventurous palate, he nodded and listened attentively to her musings.

"Sai tried, but didn't like it…"

Athrun sighed inwardly. Cagalli mentioning other men's names in front of him made him uneasy. He didn't want to appear possessive in front of her, so he kept his feelings in check.

"I wonder if Commander Joule likes sweet food because I got one for him too?"

Athrun sighed again for what felt like the hundredth time. He just knew he would have a long week ahead with Yzak's visit to Orb.